After much thought about how saddened I became when reminiscing with an old friend, I realize I need to start aging gracefully. For 40 years I told myself I will not get old, I will live forever young. Yet, as my 61st birthday approaches I was beginning to get stressed and angry that I don't have another 60 to go. Maybe, in fact, I do. Science is discovering new things all the time. With heart by-pass, robotic vacuum cleaners, gas/electric running cars, who knows when the fountain of youth will be discovered. Surely, it is just a matter of time.
There are many good years ahead, many great times to experience. With a nutritious eating plan, an envirgorating daily work out, good friends, intelligent colleagues, and a man who loves me, how can I not look forward to an endearing future. Rather than be sad of days gone by, like my best sailing friend, Karen, I need to savor the past with a smile, not a tear.
I only ask that ya'll help me keep my youth in the past and my golden years, golden!
Thanks, the sassy sailor, Marlene
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Sunday, March 15, 2009
One cries, the other laughs
Two of us met for the day after many months apart. Our basic interest remains the same, but our direction have altered. As we departed, I felt drained, as if I had lost my best friend. Afterall, she is racing on another team and seems to be in synch with their chosen activities. I think there is a values thing going on that separates us, too. I choose more adventurous activities. Yet, the jealous side of me comes through and along with a little depression, I perceive the end of an era. No more romps in the surf, no more ya'hoo times on the Hobie cat.
When I shared my bittersweet response, I learned that thinking of the same experiences she had a lighthearted approach, appreciated what had been and was happy for our times together. Guess I need to face up to our new life. AFter all I am nearly 61 and it's time to face reality, cherish the memories and look forward to whatever lies ahead for both of us, whether together or apart. HMMMMMMMMMMM---
When I shared my bittersweet response, I learned that thinking of the same experiences she had a lighthearted approach, appreciated what had been and was happy for our times together. Guess I need to face up to our new life. AFter all I am nearly 61 and it's time to face reality, cherish the memories and look forward to whatever lies ahead for both of us, whether together or apart. HMMMMMMMMMMM---
Friday, March 13, 2009
Yikes I did it
For years I have been preaching if you want to get better you need to go to the experts, the folks who have proven to be successful, the people others look up to. Yet, it always seemed so daunting. Years ago, I remember how weird I felt asking to interview the president of several colleges for some research I wanted to do. Now, getting close to my second year in my sixth decade, I don't have time to waste as I pursue a new career.
What is it that I want? I want to be a better sailor. I want to join the ranks of sailors who have more experiences than I. I want to be a writer. So, last night, I sent an e-mail to a famous sailor and asked for an interview. My girlish message seemed silly as I admitted I was a fan of this person. In addition, I stated what I wanted, an interview with him and a mentor as I pursue my Sailing at Sixty campaign.
Wow, within 24 hours I received a reply asking to meet next Thursday. Jeepers, he lives about 1000 miles away so I would have to fly up to meet with him. I wrote back asking for a day and time the week of my spring break. Wow, imagine me, getting to shake hands with one of my sailing idols after all these years. What a great way to practice my interview skills as I prepare an article on my reservation about contacting him. As soon as the interview is in print, ya'll will know who I met with.
The best part is that this is just the beginning.............................And all I had to do was ask!
What is it that I want? I want to be a better sailor. I want to join the ranks of sailors who have more experiences than I. I want to be a writer. So, last night, I sent an e-mail to a famous sailor and asked for an interview. My girlish message seemed silly as I admitted I was a fan of this person. In addition, I stated what I wanted, an interview with him and a mentor as I pursue my Sailing at Sixty campaign.
Wow, within 24 hours I received a reply asking to meet next Thursday. Jeepers, he lives about 1000 miles away so I would have to fly up to meet with him. I wrote back asking for a day and time the week of my spring break. Wow, imagine me, getting to shake hands with one of my sailing idols after all these years. What a great way to practice my interview skills as I prepare an article on my reservation about contacting him. As soon as the interview is in print, ya'll will know who I met with.
The best part is that this is just the beginning.............................And all I had to do was ask!
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Spring Cleaning
Ay, with the clocks sprung forward we get more daylight where darkness once prevailed. With the added sunshine the Melbourne Yacht Club and Indian River Yacht Club begin there evening races. In the Cocoa/Rockledge area, IRYC hosts a Wednesday night series, while MYC hosts the Friday night Rhum races. What a wonderful time to sail.
Sure the die hards take these no committee boat, honor system races to heart, but for most it is a great time to bring on new crew and simply enjoy living in paradise.The MYC Rhum racers use a reverse handicap system which is great fun. Like the tortoise and the hare, the faster boats are tasked with chasing down the slower boats. In a perfect world everyone would cross the line at the same time. Perhaps the only regret is no one is ever on station to capture the many photo finishes that occur.
The other caveat to the extra hours of daylight is it allows extra time at the end of the day to clean up our boats and get them in great shape for spring and summer sailing. Speaking of, it is time for me to get serious about my summer plan to sail north. Any and all suggestions for a successful sail from here to the Statue of Liberty are welcome. It is expected I will combine offshore time with ICW time to ensure a safe voyage. My current plan includes a buddy boat, "Talespinner," with skipper Christine Kling. Christine is the author of a series of books including Wrecker's Key.
Anyway, life is really about you, not me. So, get out and enjoy the evenings, lest you forget this Wednesday's sunset will be followed by the rising full moon. So clean your decks, clean out your lockers, clean out the bilget, then get on board,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,it's time to sail!
Sure the die hards take these no committee boat, honor system races to heart, but for most it is a great time to bring on new crew and simply enjoy living in paradise.The MYC Rhum racers use a reverse handicap system which is great fun. Like the tortoise and the hare, the faster boats are tasked with chasing down the slower boats. In a perfect world everyone would cross the line at the same time. Perhaps the only regret is no one is ever on station to capture the many photo finishes that occur.
The other caveat to the extra hours of daylight is it allows extra time at the end of the day to clean up our boats and get them in great shape for spring and summer sailing. Speaking of, it is time for me to get serious about my summer plan to sail north. Any and all suggestions for a successful sail from here to the Statue of Liberty are welcome. It is expected I will combine offshore time with ICW time to ensure a safe voyage. My current plan includes a buddy boat, "Talespinner," with skipper Christine Kling. Christine is the author of a series of books including Wrecker's Key.
Anyway, life is really about you, not me. So, get out and enjoy the evenings, lest you forget this Wednesday's sunset will be followed by the rising full moon. So clean your decks, clean out your lockers, clean out the bilget, then get on board,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,it's time to sail!
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